Barton's Brigade

William B. Barton (1835-1891)

Commanding the first brigade was Colonel William B. Barton
of the Forty-eighth New York. Less than thirty years old, Barton
assumed command of the regiment after the sudden death of Colonel
James H. Perry. He led the unit with distinction during the
Battery Wagner defeat, and in early 1864 was commanding a brigade
at St. Helena, South Carolina. Transferred to command of the
brigade which included his old regiment, the Florida expedition
gave Barton his first opportunity to lead a brigade in battle.

The young colonel performed capably at Olustee and indeed
for the remainder of the war. In March 1865 he earned a brevet
promotion to brigadier general in recognition of his wartime
services. Barton operated a theater in New Jersey after the war.